Leviticus 22:17 - Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

Generated Verse: Leviticus 22:17

What does "Leviticus 22:17" mean?


The verse "Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying," from Leviticus 22:17 is a formulaic phrase that introduces divine instruction and laws. Let's break down what it means:

Yahweh: This is the most common name for God in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles (using small caps to distinguish it from the word "Lord"). It signifies God's personal and covenantal relationship with the Israelites. Using this specific name emphasizes that the following instructions come directly from the God of Israel.

Spoke to Moses: This indicates that the communication from God was direct and intentional. Moses is depicted as the primary mediator between God and the people of Israel. God communicates His laws, commands, and instructions to Moses, who then relays them to the Israelites.

Saying: This word signals that what follows is the actual message or instruction that God is imparting to Moses. It's a transition word that prepares the reader or listener for the specific content of the divine communication.

In essence, the phrase establishes the authority and source of the following instructions. It conveys that the words are not human-made but rather come directly from the divine being, Yahweh, and are conveyed through the divinely appointed leader, Moses. This formula is used repeatedly throughout Leviticus and other books of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) to emphasize the divine origin of the laws and regulations.

What categories does "Leviticus 22:17" have?